Transport container



July 27, 1954 R. A. SHIELDS TRANSPORT CONTAINER 2 She ets-Sheet 1 FiledMarch 3, 1950 aim J y 7, 1954 R. A. SHIELDS TRANSPORT CONTAINER 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 3, 1950 INVENTOR Patented July 27, 1954TRANSPORT CONTAINER Robert A. Shields, Bloomsburg, Pa., assignor to A CF Industries, Incorporated, a corporation of New Jersey ApplicationMarch 3, 1950, Serial No. 147,365

6 Claims.

This invention relates to transport containers in general and inparticular to such containers adapted for the shipment of pulverulentmaterials such as flour, cement, etc., or granular materials such assugar, salt, grains, etc.

The bull: of pulverulent and granular materials is now shipped in smallpackages such as paper bags, sacks or cartons. Recently attempts havebeen made to ship these materials in large lots from the factory to thepoint of use or to packaging plants. The transport containers asheretofore built have generall been of the gravity discharge type with asmall number being of a combined gravity and pneumatic pressure type.With this latter combined type the containers could not be designedproperly to withstand high pressures and of necessity were much higherthan desirable and the center of gravity was too high to give a stablecontainer during transit. It is an object, therefore, of the presentinvention to provide a container adapted for straight pressure dischargeand in which both ends of the container are substantially identical.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a transportcontainer having pressure actuated nozzles so positioned as tocompletely clean the container or" the material being trans ported.

A yet further object of the invention is the provision of a transportcontainer having pressure nozzles so arranged as to establish a cyclonicaction to remove all material from the container.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a transportcontainer having pressure actuated nozzles so directed as to set up acyclonic action. in conjunction with guide means to direct the materialout of the container.

Another object of the invention is the provision or transport containerhaving special valve arrangements preventing entrance of material intothe pressure pipes.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent to personsskilled in the art from a study of the following description andaccompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is an elevational View of theimproved container;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 2-2 of Fig.3;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 3-3 of Fig. 2-;

Fig. i is a sectional view similar to Fig. 2 but taken on line 8-5 ofFig. 5 and showing a modifled form;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View taken substantially on line Ei--5 of Fig. l;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective View of the discharge outlet ofFigs. 4 and 5;

Fig. '7 is a sectional view taken substantially on line 'il of Fig. 8and discloses a still further modification of the container;

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken substantially on line 82 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentar perspective sectional view taken substantially online 53 d of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary elevational View looking in the direction ofthe arrows to of Fig. 8, and

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken substantially on line il--il of Fig.10.

Referring now to the drawings in detail it will be seen that thecontainer is made of a cylindrical shell A, to the upper end of which iswelded a convex end B with a substantially convex lower end C weld-ed orotherwise secured to the lower end of the cylindrical section. In orderto support the container in an upright position and provide space fornecessary piping, a skirt D is welded or otherwise secured to the bottomconvex head and forms substantially a continuation of the cylindricalshell A. The lower edge of the skirt is stifiened by an angle or otherstructure l 2, giving added bearing area to support the container and tothis angle may be welded or otherwise secured triangular shaped plates lt by means or which the container may be held in proper position on a,container car, such as shown in applicants copencling application forContainer Car, Serial No. 147,366 filed March 3, 1950. The convex upperend B has a central opening cut therein and stiffened by an angle orother shaped frame is to which is fastened swinging bolts I 8 adapted toengage and hold in place a pressure retaining inlet cover The bottomconvex end C is pierced at the desired point to permit the outlet pipe 0to have opening into the container. This outlet pipe as clearly shownextends outwardly through the shirt D previously referred to. Adjacentthe outl t 0 is a pipe connection P for the entrance of pressure matter,such as air, to the piping of the container. Th flow of this matter willbe controlled by a valve V by of an operatin handle H extending througha slot S in the supporting skirt. Since the container is adapted to becarried on road, rail or water vehicles lifting loops L are attached toupper ends of the cylindrical shell so that hoist ch is may be attachedfor movement or" the con-.. -er between the difierent mean of transportor from the transport vehicle to a fixed base for discharge.

Referring now to the form shown in Figs. 2 and 3 it will be seen thatthe outlet pipe 0 intersects the bottom convex head 0 and extendsradially outward through the supporting skirt. Mounted within the outletis a main discharge nozzle 22 connected by pipe 23 to the valve V. Theintersection of the round outlet pipe with the convex bottom C producesan elliptical opening 24 as viewed in plan Fig. 3. Located on eitherside of the opening 24 are nozzles 25 which nozzles are connected bypipes 26 to an outlet of the four-way valve V. Extending from the fourthoutlet of the valve V is a pipe 21 which follows along the skirt D andis connected by branches to nozzles 28 and to a fixture 3t welded orotherwise attached in the container directly opposite the outlet pipe0-. The nozzles 25 direct material carried within the container towardthe outlet 24 as do nozzles 28 and fixture 30. While the nozzles 25 and28 produce a more directional jet of pressure fluid, the fixture 30 willprovide a broad fan tending to sweep the entire lower area of thecontainer bottom C. This is most economically done by welding only theupper edges of the fixture 36 to the container end, leaving the air orother pressure fluid escape along portions of the side and inner end.

Referring now to the form shown in Figs. 4, and 6 it will be seen thatthe main outlet nozzle 32 has been mounted in the outlet pipe 0, whichin this case is curved, having the inner end extending circumferentiallyof the container bottom end C and in this case the end of the pipe iswelded or otherwise secured to the bottom of the container which has anopening 34 cut therein giving access to the outlet pipe 0. In order toshroud the outlet and to guide material into the outlet a curvedprotecting plate 35 is welded to the container bottom and shell andserves in eifect as a continuation of the outlet pipe within thecontainer. The main outlet nozzle 32 is connected by pipe 33 to one portof the four-way valve V, while the opposite port is connected by pipe 38to nozzles 31, which nozzles are directed to deliver their blast ofpressure fluid in a substantially tangential direction. The fourthoutlet port of the valve V is connected by pipe 38 to a centralstructure 39 which is welded or otherwise secured within the containerand has its bottom edge serrated as at id so as to deliver a completefan of air or other pressure fluid over the entire bottom of thecontainer. In other words, this fixture 39 will direct a plurality ofjets in a radial direction, thereby clearing the central portion of thecontainer.

Referring now to the form shown in Figs. 7 to 11 it will be seen thatthe outlet pipe 0 extends into the center of the container and \thencedirected upwardly to pierce the bottom end C providing an opening iii.The main nozzle 42 is located in this outlet pipe immediately below theopening "4! and is directed to move material out through the outlet pipe0. Welded or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the bottom C isan upstanding hollow structure 43 which is spirally curved and extendsfrom adjacent the shell of the container inwardly to terminate in an endconcentric with the edges of the outlet 4!. As best shown in Figs. 7 and9 this spirally curved structure is formed by spaced plates 44 joined byan inverted V top 55. Spaced along the bottom outer edge or the spirallycurved structure are a plurality of outlets it, while located adjacentthe upper edge of the inner wall are a small number of outlets 41, theseoutlets being located only in the zone immediately above the outletopening t I. Outlets 46 and M are preferably covered by elastic flapvalves. which, as shown in Figs. and 11, are formed by a sheet ofelastic material 48, to which is vulcanized or otherwise secured a smallsteel plate 49 which will prevent collapse of the elastic material intothe outlet opening. The sheet of elastic material is held in properposition by a frame 58 to which it is vulcanized or otherwise securedand which frame is secured to the walls M by any suitable means, such asspot welding. The main outlet jet A2 is preferably connected by a shortpipe 5! to the interior of the spirally curved structure 43 and theinterior of this spirally curved structure by means of a pipe 52 to anoutlet of the three-way valve V. The other outlet of the valve V isconnected by means of a circumferentially extending pipe 53 to aplurality of jets 55. These jets 55 are directed circumferentially ofthe container so as to cause a swirling or cyclonic movement of thematerial in the container. The outlets 4.5 also preferably dischargedownwardly and circumferentially to add to this swirling action andprevent building up of material on the outer side of the curved guidingstructure it. As previously stated, the flaps covering outlets il aredirected downwardly so as to assist in moving the swirling material intothe outlet opening 4!.

The valves V have the plugs ported so that when pressure is beingsupplied through pipes P to the container, the pressure will be suppliedat all times to the main discharge nozzles 22, 32 and 42 of therespective modifications. Also, in the forms shown in Figs. 2 to 6inclusive pressure will also be supplied to nozzles 28 and 30 of Fig. 3and central structure 39 of Fig. 5. When the container is substantiallyempty the valve will be moved to its second position, thereby turningpressure fluid into nozzles 25 of Fig. 3 and 3'! of Fig. 5 and cuttingoif the fluid from the nozzles 28, 38 of Fig. 3 and central structure 39of Fig. 5, but pressure will always be supplied to the main nozzles 22,32 and 42 irrespective of the setting of the valve. In the form shown inFig. 8 pressure fluid will at all times be supplied irrespective ofvalve setting to the main nozzle 42 and outlet openings 46 and ll. Whenit is desired to thoroughly clean the container at the end of theemptying cycle, the valve will be moved to throw pressure into jets 55.It is, of course, obvious that the above illustration with respect tothe setting of the valves and sequence of operation of the jets will bevaried in accordance with the type of material being transported andexperience in the discharging of this type of material.

It is to be noted that in the forms shown in Figs. 3 and 8 the outletpipe extends radially of the container, while in Fig. 5 the main portionof the outlet pipe extends circumferentially of the container. It shouldalso be noted that in Figs. 5 and 8 the jets tend to swirl the materialinto a guide structure which diverts the swirling material into thedischarge outlet, thus in effect establishing a cyclonic movement of thema terial. In the structure of Fig. 8 this cyclonic movement is a truecyclonic movement due to the swirling and directing of the materialtoward the vortex, while a low pressure area is established due to theejector action of the main nozzle 52. It should also be noted that ineach of the modifications the main nozzle is active all of the timeduring discharge and one or more sets of secondary nozzles are active tomove the material toward the outlet and, since these secondary nozzlesdischarge at the bottom of the container, they tend to lift the same inthe container and intimately mix it with the pressure fluid. In thismanner the material is fluidized and will readily flow to the lowpressure area established at the outlet by the main discharge jet.

While the invention has been described more or less in detail withspecific reference to three modifications, it will be obvious that othermodifications and arrangements of parts and operation may be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A pressure container for the handling of pulverulent or granularmaterial comprising, a substantially cylindrical shell, convex endssecured to the shell to form a closed container, means to support thecontainer in upright position, a pressure retaining cover sealing aninlet opening in. the upper convex end, an outlet secured to the lowerconvex end adjacent the center thereof and opening into the containerfor carrying material out of the container, nozzle means directed intothe outlet to move material therethrough, secondary nozzle means openinginto the container and adapted to agitate and move the material in thecontainer, means to supply matter under pressure to said nozzles tosubstantially fluidize and move the material toward and through theoutlet, guide means secured within the container to direct the movingmaterial toward the outlet and being spirally curved from the shell tothe outlet, and said secondary nozzles bein so directed as to establisha whirling of the material with the center coincident with said outlet.

2. A pressure container for the handling of pulverulent or granularmaterial comprising, a substantially cylindrical shell, convex endssecured to the shell to form a closed container, means to support thecontainer in an upright position, a pressure retaining cover sealing aninlet opening in the upper convex end, an outlet secured to the lowerconvex end adjacent the center thereof and opening into the containerfor carrying material out of the container, nozzle means directed intothe outlet to move material therethroug-h, secondary nozzle meansopening into the container and adapted to agitate and move the materialin the container, means to supply matter under pressure to said nozzlesto substantially fluidize and move the material toward and through theoutlet, guide means secured within the container to direct the movingmaterial toward the outlet, said guide means being formed as a hollowconduit for matter under pressure.

3. A pressure container for the handling of pulverulent or granularmaterial comprising, a substantially cylindrical shell, convex endssecured to the shell to form a closed container, means to support thecontainer in an upright position, a pressure retaining cover sealing aninlet opening in the upper convex end, an outlet secured to the centralportion of the lower convex end and opening into the container forcarrying material out of the container, an upwardly projecting spirallycurved guide structure extending from the edge of the lower convex endinwardly to the edge of the outlet opening, a, main nozzle to movematerial through the outlet, secondary nozzles positioned on the convexside of said curved guide and having openings directed tangentiallythereof, and additional nozzles positioned adjacent the inner end of thecurved guide on the concave side thereof and having openings directedvertically into the outlet opening.

4. A pressure container for the handling of pulverulent or granularmaterial comprising, a substantially cylindrical shell, convex endssecured to the shell to form a closed container, means to support thecontainer in an upright position, a pressure retaining cover sealing aninlet opening in the upper convex end, an outlet secured to the centralportion of the lower convex end and opening into the container forcarrying material out of the container, an upwardly projecting spirallycurved guide structure extending from the edge of the lower convex endinwardly to the edge of the outlet opening, a main nozzle to movematerial through the outlet, secondary nozzles positioned adjacent theperiphery of the lower end and having openings directedcircumferentially thereof to move material against said guide structure,and an additional nozzle directed to move the material. along the guidestructure and into the outlet opening.

5. A pressure container for the handling of pulverulent or granularmaterial comprising, a substantially cylindrical shell, convex endssecured to the shell to form a closed container, means to support thecontainer in an upright position, a pressure retaining cover sealing aninlet opening in the upper convex end, an outlet secured to the centralportion of the lower convex end and opening into the container forcarrying material out of the container, an upwardly projecting spirallycurved guide structure extending from the edge of the lower convex endinwardly to the edge of the outlet opening, a main nozzle to movematerial through the outlet, secondary nozzles positioned on the convexside of said curved guide and having openings directed tangentiallythereof, and additional nozzles positioned adjacent the inner end of thecurved guide on the concave side thereof and having openings directedvertically into the outlet opening, said secondary and additionalnozzles being formed by elastic material covering openings in the guidestructure.

6. In a pressure container for the handling of pulverulent or granularmaterial comprising, a substantially cylindrical shell, convex endssecured to the shell to form a closed container, means to support thecontainer in an upright position, a pressure retaining cover sealing aninlet opening in the upper convex end, an outlet secured to the lowerconvex end and opening into the container for carrying material out ofthe container, a main nozzle to move material through the outlet, andsecondary nozzles to move material toward the outlet, said secondarynozzles consisting of an opening into the container, an elastic sheetcovering the opening to prevent ingress of material from the container,and means securing the elastic sheet in position on substantially threesides whereby pressure fluid may escape from the opening and be directedby said elastic sheet toward the outlet.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 752,598 Schwend Feb. 16, 1904 2,115,023 Kennedy Apr. 26, 19382,147,300 Kennedy Feb. 14, 1939 2,191,096 McCurdy Feb. 20, 19402,238,051 I-Iackley Apr. 15, 1941 2,274,708 Kennedy Mar. 3, 1942 FOREIGNPATENTS Number Country Date 136,583 Great Britain Dec. 24, 1919 641,056France July 27, 1928

